Dear Finnish Foreign Minister, It's a difficult situation and I am dreadfully sorry you are so upset with the Jewish people. We are, after all, only trying to stay alive.

Finland refuses to sell to Israel what are considered to be the best gas-detection kits in the world, despite widespread evaluations that Iraq may attack Israel with poison chemical weapons..... Finland claims that the European Union forbids the export of dual-use equipment to countries in conflict.... Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja provides some "background" to the decision, however. "I am appalled at the Israeli policy of suppression, humiliation, subordination and impoverishment towards the Palestinians," he said.

Dear Mr. Erkki Tuomioja,

Although we here in Israel will survive nicely without your Finnish gas masks, thank you, I am quite impressed with your sensitivity to moral issues. Morality is a good thing for a political leader to espouse. I'm just wondering... are you also appalled at the Arab policy of "suppression" (i.e. destruction) of the Jewish state? At the "humiliation" the State of Israel is forced to experience at the hands of a hypocritical world? At the "impoverishment" of the Israeli economy and the hardships it endured through years of illegal Arab boycotts? Through the closure of markets to Israeli produce? Through the widespread, mafia-like thievery by organized bands of Arabs throughout all of Israel? (Entire industries exist in the West Bank -- all based on stolen Israeli cars, computers, farm equipment and other vital items.)

Oh yes -- I forgot "subordination". I suppose one might say the Arabs are "subordinated" to Israeli rule. Because they have refused time and time again to recognize Israel's right to exist, and have, time and time again, chosen to make war rather than peace, Israel refuses to relinquish control of historical Jewish land she acquired in a war the Arabs began. For the past 30 years of Israeli "rule," the Arabs have indeed been "subordinated" -- to the highest standard of living of all their Arab brethern throughout the Middle East (with the exception of the ruling Saudian family who are in a class of their own). Their death rate has plummeted; their life expectancy has risen by 50%. Their per capital income has increased tenfold as they and their children opened businesses, built houses, sent their kids to universities, saved money, held down newly created jobs, not to speak of the sudden availability of decent welfare and medical care for the first time in their lives. The number of Arab children attending school has risen by more than 100%. Seven Arab universitites were built in the West Bank under Israeli "subordination" (none had existed under Jordanian suzerainty). During the past two years, they have, with their own hands and by their own volition, destroyed much of this prosperity and in its stead, they are free and independent -- no longer "subordinated" to Israel – under the gracious, advanced, democratic, prosperous and liberal rule of Yasser Arafat and his henchmen. They are in fact free to live in one of the most despotic, cruel, corrupt and despised regimes in the entire world.

The Jewish people are not about to leave; nor do they intend to commit suicide in order to assuage your outraged sense of morality.

In sum, Mr. Tuomioja, it's a difficult situation and I am dreadfully sorry you are so upset with the Jewish people. We are, after all, only trying to stay alive. Even the U.N. gave us its blessing in 1948 (although they've done their best to cancel it since then). I'm even sorrier that the Arabs have been kept prisoners by their own brethern in miserable camps, that they are murderously determined to wipe us out, and that the world is such a difficult, unmanageable place. However, in case you are not sufficiently aware of the fact, I feel it incumbent upon myself to tell you that the Jewish People are home; they are not about to leave; nor do they intend to commit suicide in order to assuage your outraged sense of morality.

If our Arab neighbors are unhappy with us, there are countless other Arab countries who will undoubtedly accept their brethern with open arms, just as we have accepted our Jews (600,000 of whom were refugees from Arab lands). If they are able to make peace with our existence, they will surely prosper in the future as they have prospered in the past. Not only since 1948, or 1967, but in the past 200 years, ever since Jews began returning to the Land of Israel. (It was then called Palestine, which was a tiny part of the Ottoman Empire and never an independent state, in case you've forgotten). The more Jews returned here, to their ancient, biblical home, the more the land itself came alive after 2000 years of desolation and neglect. And the more the Jews came, the more Arab immigration from neighboring countries grew. And prospered. You see, the Jews created the word "prosperity" in the Middle East. With their sweat and blood.

If the newly dubbed "Palestinians" (a name they acquired only in the past 25 years. They called themselves "Arabs" -- part of the great Pan Arabian nation -- before that. And before 1948, "Palestinians" were the Jews who lived in Palestine!) continue on the path they have so far chosen, they will continue to destroy themselves. It really is appalling, but then again, as I said, the world is a difficult place. Finland wasn't always the cultured, civilized, peaceful country it now is either. So there's always hope that the Arabs too will advance, change, develop, and a different, less murderous morality will thrive in the Middle East. Meanwhile, we Jews here in Israel are hanging on and doing everything we can not only to survive, but to grow, and prosper. Even without your superb Finnish gas masks.

And who knows, perhaps you're afraid to sell them. Perhaps you'd rather keep them for yourselves. The world being the chaotic and violent place it is -- you or your friends may need those masks some day. Islamic terrorism isn't limited only to Jews.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Yaffa Ganz is the award winning author of forty titles for Jewish children, two books of essays for adults and many articles of Jewish interest in Jewish publications worldwide. She has written the popular Savta Simcha series and Sand and Stars - A Jewish Journey Through Time (a two volume Jewish history book for teen readers). The Ganzes live in Jerusalem.

Visitor Comments: 45

(45)
Michael,
February 17, 2011 11:12 PM

Get your history correct before you judge us

I am Finnish, My grandfather served in what you call WWII did some of our Nazi sympathizers hand Jews over to the German swine? unfortunately yes. HOWEVER, we tried our hardest and did our best to stay neutral. We joined the war to protect our country from the Soviets. We wanted to fight the Soviet expansionists. Why is it you judge our entire people based on the decision of our government? Do you honestly think we are so simple that we quietly march in lockstep with our government without dissent? I read from this website while trying to understand the Judaic religion, however I will search elsewhere because the group of people who run this site obviously do not research what they speak of. If you judge my people, the Finns so quickly and without first understanding us and our history, how can I know you understand anything else you speak of? respond if you like, call me a nazi, call me what you will, I care not, for people who judge so quickly should not be expected to be good people. You don't want anything to do with Finland and her people? Maybe we want nothing to do with you. I will research the great religion of Judaism elsewhere, because the Jews I know and the Judaism I have research calls for ethical behaviour which is clearly absent here.

(44)
Anonymous,
December 4, 2010 9:31 PM

Swedes cannot afford to talk.

It's a good idea to remember, that Finland is a democracy, and as such she has several political parties, with heavily varying political views. Erkki Tuomioja(a left wing radical in his youth) represents the left wing, which is known to sympathise with Islamic extremists, as their communist views are not far from the views of the Islamists.
The communist left is responsible for the growing "humanitarian immigration", which Finland faces mainly from muslim countries.
I would still characterize Finland as mainly pro-Israel, pro-Jewish state. You can witness this by watching videos on YouTube, of demonstrations supporting both Israel and Palestine. Pro-Israel marches draw bigger crowds.
In response to the Swede commenting below me: Due to the 5% Swedish minority living in Finland, who refuse to integrate to the Finnish society, all Finns are required to study Swedish language, which is a useless language today. Also, since the Swedish occupation, the Swedish minority have seen themselves as superior to Finns. RKP or SFP, the Swedish party in Finland, still hands out Axel Olof Freudenthal -medals. This award is named after a Swedish supremacist, who concidered Finns racially inferior. His views were equal to the Aryan master race theories of the time.
These things cause friction between the Swedish and Finnish speaking populations in Finland, and cannot justify cries of discrimination. This I say as a part Swedish Finn.
As for the gasmask/gasdetector deal, I'm sure it will live in infamy, almost at par with our Nazi alliance of WW2. For myself, for what it's worth, I apologize.

(43)
Lisa,
February 21, 2009 7:23 PM

Finland has no sympathy for Palestine nor Israel

As a Swedish minority in Finland, I experienced such discrimination it was unbelievable. The Helsinki Sonamat is one of the most racist newspapers I have ever read, printing racist jokes on its front page that would get any other Western journalist fired and having to change careers! I agree that they worshipped Mannerheim, even though the guy met with Hitler on a couple occasions. Although I do not consider myself anti-semetic (I hope not anyway) I know many Finns to this very day quietly say rotten things about Jewish people. Some do in front of me thinking I won't say anything, but I do, and then they shut up. There are academia in both Finland and North America that still teach the twisted history that Finland loves. One professor even had the gaul as to 'research' (an interview with an elderly Finn) and publish in one of her books that my grandfather never fought in the war. Meanwhile I have pictures of him in uniform at the location near the Russian border. And as far as I know, they didn't have photoshop back then. Shortly after that my grandmother lost my grandfather's wartime pension and I directly blame that professor. I found out later that she had a personal vendetta against the minority that my grandfather was part of because one of that said minority killed her grandfather. If that's not the most stupid and dangerous ideology to hold on to, then I don't know what else is.

(42)
Anonymous,
March 12, 2008 6:50 PM

I really don"t care if my name is displayed or not, use it if you wish.I was about to purchase 3 of these Finnish gas mask. But because of their price and my desire to have a product I can depend upon I decided I better do some research on the mask.Since Israel was wanting to buy them they must be a quality product. But since reading about the actions of the Finnish FM I have decided to look else where for a good gas mask. I don't want to be guilty of assisting anyone who feels that way about Israel.Thank you for the information.

Sincerely,Lee Pritchett

(41)
Robert G.,
November 17, 2007 11:22 AM

Well written response to Finn FM

I just cannot fathom the timidity and near ignorance the Finn gov't displays with statements like these. I thoroughly believe based on my extensive experience, that this "underdog" portrait of the Palestine people is magnified out of proportion. The problems within Palestine are not so much caused by Israel, but form outside factions seeking control of this land and destruction of Israel. Not to mention the internal strife between the power faction within Palestine.

(40)
Estonian,
May 9, 2006 12:00 AM

Stop being so damn defensive

Doesn't the line "Finland claims that the European Union forbids the export of dual-use equipment to countries in conflict...." say pretty much everything you need to know? In case you didn't know, Finland does belong in the EU and therefore, has to comply with the laws. Right? No. Let's call the Finns Nazis, because over 60 years ago they (and the Estonians, Dutch, Norwegians to name a few) rightfully allied up with Hitler to kick the rotten Jewish-Bolshevik Soviet Union's butt. Let's never get over that, Mr. Hal Smithovitz.

(39)
Ville,
November 15, 2004 12:00 AM

It wasn't about gas masks and Finns in general don't hate Israelis.

Dear Editor

1. The finnish company was doing everything in their power to sell this technology to Israel, and majority of the Finns I believe were on their side. Tuomioja was acting improperly or interpreting the situation or legislation too strictly.

2. Anti Israel attitude is not the standard in Finland. And for example some of the first Galil rifles used some finnish parts and were manufactured with Finnish machinery.

3. Environics did not manufacture gas masks, but high precision gas detection and recognition instruments that can also be used when manufacturing chemical weapons to check their potency. This was not about gas masks at all.

4. Finland fought along germans. But Finland was never a nazi country. There were jewish soldiers fighting in the finnish army who later helped to train the Israeli defence force. The Finnish did everything in their capability to remain independent and protect their jewish citizens. Not very easy task when being between Hitler Germany and Soviet Union.

(38)
Hal Smith,
May 5, 2004 12:00 AM

Finnish are proud of their Axis heritage

Finnish are proud of their heritage in World War II- on the Axis side of the war. Dude, I went there this summer and wow. They try to say things like, "we had to because of russia." they have no clue, dude, they are totally brainwashed.
They have a finnish museum with old newsreels and it shows crowds of people raising their palms like nazi salutes to their "leader", Ryti.

In school, they all learn about how great it was and they have a statue of their Axis General mannerheim outisde their parliament. They think he Superman. They named their main street after him and turned his house into a museum where you have to wear slippers. "Mannerheim, Mannerheim!!!"

I found out that Finland was one of the countries that invaded russia in 1941 along with germany, after the Finnish already had a peace treaty.
Research says differently: They had concentration camps and SS units.

"Finland, which officially deported only eight Jews to Nazi Germany during World War II, also sent thousands of Soviet prisoners of war to Hitler's concentration camps, a new Finnish book claims."
http://quickstart.clari.net/qs_se/webnews/wed/bi/Qfinland-germany-nazi.Rb4Y_DN3.html

Has a picture of jews in a finnish concentration camp:
"said Ohto Manninen, a leading war historian and history professor at Finland's war college[:] "Finland, as the occupying power, ran a network of some 20 prison camps throughout the occupied territories, separating Russians from Karelians, males of combatant age from women and children and so on," Manninen said."
http://www.htcricket.com/news/181_672498,00110004.htm

Here is a typical example of how finnish look at their history: the Finnish Waffen SS Webpage:
"Finnish forces did not took part in any atrocities, though they witnessed some."
http://personal.inet.fi/private/hovi.pages/sa-int/ss.html

There are alot of finnish in Minnesota: children of communists and labor unionists who escaped from Finland in the 1918-1920 when the "White" Mannerheim took over in a bloody civil war and killed 8,000 prisoners? Finnish even have postcards of shooting surrendered prisoners.

What are these guys in Indiana doing a reenactment of the Finnish SS??
"Our Mission - We are committed to portraying professional, pan-European National Socialist soldiers in the struggle against Bolshevism of the mid-Twentieth Century."
http://www.wiking.org/topics/wiking.htm

Finnish even say things like there was no alliance with hitler- even though U.S. magazines from World War Two denounce Finland for being in Hitler's "AntiComintern" group!

Just look at the pictures of finnish airplanes in world war two with the swastika!:
http://hkkk.fi/~yrjola/war/faf/ww2air.html
One of them tried to say it is an ancient Finnish Symbol

They talked bout how Russia fought Finland back in 1939. But Russia knew finland was going to be a base for an invasion of russia, and the border was inside cannon range of Saint Petersburg.

Keep it up, Howard, it is a fight for free speech. people like your show and talk about it across the country and world.

Your listener,
Hal Smith
Danville, PA

One thing you might hear is that Russia fought Finland back in 1939. But Russia knew finland was going to be a base for an invasion of russia, and the border was inside cannon range of Saint Petersburg.

(37)
Margo Monkarsh Itskowitch,
November 24, 2002 12:00 AM

Dear Aish editor,

I read the letter that you published by Yaffa Ganz, and was happy to see it.
It's a good letter, here is the letter I wrote to Erkki Tuomioja last month.
I don't think there is any reasoning with the Euros, as we are essentially back in 1938 with regard to anti-Semitism. The difference today is that we can boycott their products, perhaps that will have more of an impact on them.

Also, today we have the Internet to make our voices heard and to expose these anti-Semites.
Sincerely,
Margo Monkarsh Itskowitch
Beverly Hills, Ca.
New York, NY

Dear Minister Tuominioja:
I am very troubled by Finland's refusal to sell to Israel what are considered to be the best gas-detection kits in the world, despite widespread
evaluations that Iraq may attack Israel with poison chemical weapons.

I am appalled by your statement below. You clearly have a very biased and slanted understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If the Palestinians put down their weapons, and stopped exploiting their children
by using them as suicide/homicide bombers, they would get peace. If the Israelis put down their weapons, they would get killed.

Arafat and the Palestinian terrorists are barbarians and will not allow peace in the region. They clearly and unequivocally don't want peace with Israel under any circumstances; THEY WANT THE ELIMINATION OF ISRAEL.

The peaceful Palestinians suffer as much as Israel does because of this terrorist controlled regime. Unfortunately Israel cannot stop the
Palestinian terrorists from torturing,mistreating and keeping their own people in a state of impoverishment.

Sorry Mr. Tuominioja, you are DEAD WRONG! This statement serves to reinforce your ignorance and anti-Israel attitude with regard to the atrocities that are taking place in Israel.

As a point of reference, what would you say if Israel did what Russia did last week to end the siege by Islamic terrorists in the theater in Moscow?
If Israel did something like this to stop a terrorist siege, i.e., the Church of the Nativity, the UN would be calling for an investigation, as they did in the fabricated "Jenin Massacre." The whole world would be up in arms. You are basing your opinion on a very dangerous double standard that exists toward Israel today.

If you want the facts, here they are: http://www.infoclick.org/
I personally am sick and tired of the Israel bashing that is taking place today, and disgusted by people like yourself who use hateful rhetoric as a platform for anti-Israel, anti-Jewish sentiment.
I think Finland's decision is an enormous mistake and hope that you will encourage a reconsideration this decision.

I plan to boycott all Finlandia and Nokia products, and will encourage everyone I know to do the same.

Margo Monkarsh Itskowitch
Beverly Hills, Ca.
New York, NY

(36)
Katariina Makila,
November 19, 2002 12:00 AM

Please remember, FM Tuomioja is not Finland

Dear Editor,

Your article was excellent. Only, I am sorry it told about Finland. But please remember, Finnish FM Tuomioja is not the same as Finland or the Finns.

Please don't blame the Finns or Finland collectively for what FM Tuomioja or our Foreign Trade Minister Jari Vilen are doing. They are personally responsible for their actions. They cannot hide behind the EU or any other faceless organization either.

True, we have our neo-nazis and communists, criminals and spies as all other countries in the world. But we have people, too, who love Israel and the Jewish people. Many people are afraid G-d will curse Finland because of its present political attitude towards Israel. - Looking at some of our politicians and what's going on in the country, I wonder if He already has.

To some of the commentators: true, there were German soldiers fighting the Soviet Union alongside Finland during the Second World War. But, it was not because Finland shared Germany's nazi ideology.

Look at the map: there was no other country in Europe to help Finland with weapons against our giant eastern neighbour, even though there were volunteers from Sweden and Estonia, for example.

The Finnish Jews fought at the front just like all the other Finnish soldiers. Two of them were even awarded the Germans' iron cross - neither of them accepted it.

After a bitter peace treaty was achieved between Finland and the Soviet Union - Finland lost about 10% of its soil to the Soviet Union and consequently, about 10% of the population had to leave their homes - the German soldiers refused to go home. Yet another war followed between the Germans and the Finns inside Finland. As a result, many Finns were killed and the Germans burned down most of Lappland.

During the war, too, we had our nazi sympathizers who caused the handing over of 8 Jewish refugees to nazi Germany. Furthermore, we had our communist sympathizers: after the war, FM Tuomioja's grandmother, among others, was condemned for treason.

Like Israel, Finland is a democracy. Not every Israeli politician is loved by every Israeli. Not every Finnish politician is loved by every Finn.

What can we do? You, keep writing to our Government and President. Maybe one day, with G-d's help, there will be a change for the better.

EU won't sell arms to a nation at war. Of course thats all text. The americans buy it all and they are at war with anyone. If you want to get technical, there is very few declared wars in all the world at the moment. Israel is not in a declared state of war.

If they are going to claim on a verbal technicality then its just ridiculous. Sure, Israel could indirectly use them in war, but so could any other state or person they are sold to.

The whole thing seems quite unbelievable and ridiculous.

(33)
Timo, Finland,
November 16, 2002 12:00 AM

We are very sorry!

Our Foreign Minister is incompetent for his office. Here is many friends of Israel. Pray for a new government for Finland!
Remember, that our jews battled also against Soviet Union "with nazis". Finnish jews are not given to Nazi-Germany.

(32)
david pechtold,
November 16, 2002 12:00 AM

I agree with the author of the letter

Although I am a Catholic,what I see on CNN every day makes me sick and I can understand that the people of Israel must do whatever it takes to survive surrounded by enemies,I admire your courage!I will visit this website again

(31)
Anonymous,
November 16, 2002 12:00 AM

this is the letter I sent him

Dear Mr. Tuomioja,

I am surprised that a respected leader such as yourself, would say things about Israel and Palestine that seem so carelessly spoken; as if no thought or study was done on the subject of Palestinian/Israeli interaction from an objective point of view.

There is much information to prove your comment is based on implicit ignorance, as this article touches on (http://www.aish.com/jewishissues/israeldiary/Keep_Your_Finnish_Gas_Masks.asp). I invite you to read it.

In any case, I do wish the beautiful peace-loving country of Finland true peace and serenity. May it be G-d's will that your country need not learn first-hand, how easy it is for some to justify their murder of civilians.

(30)
Michael/Chicago,
November 15, 2002 12:00 AM

I sent an e-mail to the author. It is totally amazing that this alleged foreign minister of finland can state how the poor arabs are treated. Without the great state of Israel, the arabs would be eating sand. Friends, BOYCOTT anything made in finland and their cruise ships. I advised the author to send to every major newspaper in the U.S.A. what this fin said. Keep the masks finland, you will need them!!!!!!The terrorists have no friends outside the arab world. G-d bless the U.S.A and the State of ISRAEL.

(29)
J. fremont,
November 15, 2002 12:00 AM

Yaffa Ganz -Beautifully done

I sent a e-mail to mr. Tuomioja telling him that Finland is off our travel plan and why.

(28)
Keith Martin,
November 15, 2002 12:00 AM

Horrible decision -- Excellent rebuttal.
I am one of those evangelical Christians, also constantly slandered in the liberal press. We will be next.
I pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
A Hebrew prophet said that Jerusalem would become a burdensome stone for all people. Presumably that includes the Finnish. Israel will survive. The God of the Universe guarantees it. and that's even better than the North Americans.

(27)
Selma,
November 15, 2002 12:00 AM

Excellent summary

Thank you! Excellent summary of the history of the Israeli plight/position.
I am forwarding via e-mail. I appreciate greatly the comprehensive and accurate account, the opportunity to bring the facts readily to the lips, hands, hearts of many.

I pray for peace in Jerusalem, and all of Israel.

(26)
Alex Huzau,
November 15, 2002 12:00 AM

Very good!

Unfortunatelly, not only 'some' people
are blind, but 'some' ministers too...
Did he learned history in the school?
If not, it's time.

(25)
ANNIE ,FINLAND,
November 14, 2002 12:00 AM

EXCELLENT!

THANKS FOR YOUR ARTICLE.
PLEASE FOLKS KEEP IN MIND THAT WE ARE
NOT ALL HERE IN FINLAND LIKE MR TUOMIOJA. UNFORTUNATELY HE IS OUR FOREIGN MINISTER AT THE MOMENT.
BEST REGARDS FROM FINLAND

(24)
Chezi Goldberg,
November 14, 2002 12:00 AM

Finland-Your Next

Dear Sir,

We dont want your gas masks.

Let me tell you why.

You are next.

It was Mark Twain that called the Jewish People the world's miner's canary.

Remember how miners used to take a canary with them to the mines in order to see if there was a gas leak. That's right. If the canary toppled over in its cage, the men knew they better get out of there, because they would be next.

So sir, keep the gas masks all to yourselves.

We will find some way to survive. But those like you, who fail to understand that persecution of the Jews is simply step one towards world pain and suffering, will once again, be forced to learn the hard way.

Any skyscrapers you might be worried about in Finland.

Any theatres terrorists might want to take over.

We wish you well.

Now that you have kept the masks to yourselves, I hope you find yourself breathing better.

Chezi Goldberg, Israel

(23)
carol reit,
November 14, 2002 12:00 AM

comment on article

wonderful article. should be sent to every major paper in us and europe. am sending to many of my friends.

(22)
Walter Godwin,
November 13, 2002 12:00 AM

Finnish gas detector kits

Right on Ms Ganz. I sent an e-mail to the Finn yself, though he'll probably never read it. I told him his actions were criminal

(21)
Stan freedman,
November 13, 2002 12:00 AM

What a journey. From being part of the NAZI Axis to condemnation of a free people!

I have just called my travel agent to eliminate Finland from my tour itinerary. I'm certainly changing my cell phone and will not buy Finnish products. It would be nice if Finland opened its doors to massive Arab immigration. They deserve it.

(20)
ken wilson,
November 13, 2002 12:00 AM

keep your nokia phones

Finland's phones have been a decisive factor in the day to day operations of narco-terrorism. Wonder what a boycott of Nokia would look like!

(19)
Esther G. Senft,
November 13, 2002 12:00 AM

Bravo!

Wonderful! You said what needed to be said without beating around the bush - something many others are wont to do. I hope Finland gets the message.
Keep 'em coming!

(18)
Rachel,
November 13, 2002 12:00 AM

Good response!

Good response. Thanks, for being there. Rachel
Los Angeles

(17)
Heikki J. Pulkkinen,
November 13, 2002 12:00 AM

Not good

The government of finland has shown it's true nature. The anti-fasicst actions through all these decades being were just about to legitimize the dctatorship on the socialdemocrats - that has now sold their souls to the European Union.

The country's in the EU through many, many infringements of constitution.

Perhaps the covernment's EU-federalists and quislings down here are not on the Israel's side but still a lot of people still are.

The media down here uses propaganda against Israel. I'm raven mad about that! Im happy for the great Israeli army to fight back the terrorism.

(16)
Sally,
November 12, 2002 12:00 AM

Thank you Yaffa Ganz - shame on you Finland.

Ms. Ganz has said it all in her article. I was not aware of this situation until now and it really surprised me on Finland's stand. Are they not going to sell the masks to America either because we are going against Iraq?

(15)
Allan Salomon,
November 12, 2002 12:00 AM

Why is anyone surprised at the finnish attitude towards Israel ?

The finish people and its government sided with nazi germany from the begining and only abandoned its 2nd w.w.nazi alliance when it became clear to them that the allies had defeated hitler ;only then did the finish rat people leave the sinking nazi german ship in return for which the finns were not severely punishedor denazified at the end of the war :The finns would like nothing better than to help the arabs finish up what Hitler failed to do for there felow nazis ,the finns;

(14)
shirli,
November 12, 2002 12:00 AM

wow.yaffa ganz should write my term paper for me.

(13)
Ramona,
November 12, 2002 12:00 AM

thanks for the address

Thank you for the foreign ministers address. I emailed this article to all my friends and associates, and asked them to join me in writing the man.

(12)
Debra Monasch,
November 12, 2002 12:00 AM

How Appalled Are You?

What a humanitarian you are. Your concern over what you call the "suppression, humiliation, subordination and impoverishment towards the Palestinians" (by Israelis) permits you to refuse to sell gas masks to Israel. Will you be as "appalled" by the deaths of thousands of Israelis if and when Iraq attacks Israel with poison chemical weapons? You shouldn't be. You will be as guilty as the Iraq government for the injuries and deaths of innocent Israeli civilians.

But that won't cause you to lose a moment's sleep. After all, what does the death of an Israeli mean? Israelis are not human beings. They are oppressors. Israelis are not people. They are subordinators.

You may use the excuse that the European Union forbids the export of dual-use equipment to countries in conflict, but you and I both know that is not the real reason for Finland's refusal to sell gas kits to Israel. You simply don't care how many Israelis are jeopardized. Who knows? If enough Israelis perish maybe the Palestinians can seize the land they have been sending their suicide bombers into and then this whole unpleasant affair can be finished. And wouldn't that be nice?

No. It won't be nice. And it won't happen. Despite your government's refusal to sell life-saving gas kits to Israel, Israel will survive. Israel has thrived as a country since 1948 despite the Arab world's best efforts to destroy her. And Israel will continue to thrive. So keep your gas masks if you must. But remember you are a non-Muslim country. Islamic terrorism will be coming soon to a city near you. In case you need reminding, Islamic terrorism isn't limited to Jews.

As a Jew who has the honor and privilege of being able
to live in Israel, a right that has been denied the
Jewish people for so many years, I wish to tell you
that you may keep the precious gas kit that is
intended for me. You see, you choose to turn a blind
eye to the reality of today's world that is filled
with such hatred and violence toward the Jewish
people. I choose to live, or die, as may be the case,
with my people because we are the only ones who will
look out for each other. According to Jewish law,
every Jew is responsible for each other. We simply
cannot depend upon the kindness of others. The
senseless slaughter of 6,000,000 Jewish people
(1,500,000 of which were children, in case you didn't
know) is testament to that fact. The nations do not
want us living among them, yet they also do not want
us living in Israel. This does not leave the Jewish
people much of a choice now, does it? Well, we are not
leaving Israel. It is our G-d-given right to live here
and we will not leave. We have the right to defend
ourselves and we will do so, with or without the
blessing of the nations of this world. In case you
have not realized it, the Jewish people are the only
nation to have survived throughout the centuries,
enduring the Inquisition, expulsions, holocausts, etc.

I applaud your moral decision to obey the laws of the
European Union which forbids the export of dual-use
equipment to countries in conflict. However, the
European continent is filled with so much Jewish blood
that I find it difficult to accept that your decision
is based upon morality. The definition of morality,
according to Webster, is the "standard of right or
wrong". It appears that you feel it is morally correct
for you to withhold lifesaving equipment while a
dictator, who is filled with such violent hatred for a
single nation, attacks and slaughters innocent human
beings. I fail to see the morality of such a decision.

Until people like you choose to accept the reality
that the Arab nations will not ever accept Israel's
and the Jewish people's right to exist, the world we
live in will not experience peace in the Middle East.

Mr. Tuomioja, I challenge you to open your eyes and
see the world for what it really is -- a world filled
with nothing more than a desire to see the Jewish
people destroyed. Wake up, Mr. Foreign Minister.
Arafat has said "First the Saturday people, then the
Sunday people." I suggest you pray for the
preservation of the Jewish people because, like
cancer, Arafat and his kind make no distinction
between peoples.

Sincerely,
Zahava Miriam Zer

(10)
abe strahl,
November 11, 2002 12:00 AM

finland....a shameless country

perhaps one day the great country of finland will find itself in the same posiion as israel...just trying to save their lives and country.
finland...your day will come...no doubt about it. what will you tell your people then? shame on you for selling your soul to the arab oil companies.
it is time for us to evaluate the imports from finland...we certainly do not have to feed the hand that beats us. trust me ....there are always substitue products. we will make a very detailed study immediately.
p.s. by the way...with or without your gas masks...ISRAEL WILL SURVIVE...but we do not forget...neither does history and the one in heaven...you are being judged.

(9)
Martin Dunn,
November 11, 2002 12:00 AM

Finland - Ally of Nazi Germany

I'm not surprised at Finland's attitude, since they were allied with Nazi Germany during the Second World War . . .

The Finnish attitude is just another maifestation of European anti-semitism (past & present).
<

(8)
Ilan,
November 11, 2002 12:00 AM

Finland says I am mistaken

I mailed the above story to most of the members of the European parliament and I got the following reply back from the Finnish Foregn Minister ... I then e-mailed him back with my reply also below:
Dear Mogens Camre, I am from Holland, The Netherlands and the story I have sent to you is to be found in the news and on the internet across the world. Yes it is true, I am not mistaken and you should not lie to me. My tax money pays your income as a member of the European Parliment ... you serve me not the other way around.

Dear Ben-Ami,
Thanks for sending a copy of your letter to the Finnish Foreign Minister. I am highly surprised that Finland should refuse to sell gas masks to Israel. It must be a misunderstanding. The EU-countries say they do not sell arms to countries at war, but first of all it is not true and secondly gas masks are for protection. Your government would not have any problems in buying gas masks in Denmark at any rate.

Sincerely yours
Mogens Camre
MEP for The Danish People's Party

the following link will bring you to a list of all the European members of parliment:

I know that this will do nothing to solve the anti-semetic bias of world nations against Jews, but there is an economic apportunity here. Israel has a reputation for technological genius. If this Finnish gas mask is indeed the world's best, why not re-engineer it, improve it, and manufacter a better one for Israeli use? And sell them to the world if need be? Take that Finland!

(6)
Marshall Davidson,
November 11, 2002 12:00 AM

your refusal to sell gas masks to Israel

Dear Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja,

Where is your outrage to the atrocities perpetrated by the Arabs on the Israelis and the Americans??? I for one will not buy anything or travel to Finland. Thank you very much!

And who knows, perhaps you're afraid to sell them. Perhaps you'd rather keep them for yourselves. The world being the chaotic and violent place it is -- you or your friends may need those masks some day. Islamic terrorism isn't limited only to Jews.
Sincerely,

Marshall

(5)
Irwin Myers,
November 10, 2002 12:00 AM

More needs to be done

Excellent article. I wish there was a more effective way to deal with Jew hating countries than writing emails to indifferent officials. How do we break through to people who are propagandized into thinking Israel doesn't deserve to exist? I guess we continue the struggle, write and appeal to the better half of people. I just wish there was a more effective way.

Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Irwin Myers

(4)
Manuel,
November 10, 2002 12:00 AM

Finland and Israel alike in some way

If a given day the Soviet Union decides to invade the Finnish territory I hope they do not ask Israel for military know-how and support, they will not deserve it

A tiny nation sharing borders with bigger neighbours, that is what Israel is and that is what Finland certainly is in geopolitical terms too

Remember Finland, don't take world peace for granted

(3)
Leon Fiss,
November 10, 2002 12:00 AM

Time to drop our complexes

Thank you Yaffa Ganz ! But let's call a cat "a cat" : If an ordinary ignorant person imagines that the jews treat the arabs as badly as the nazis treated the jews 60 years ago, perhaps we could charitably excuse his opinion on account of mere ignorance. But when a Foreign Minister - no less - expresses publicly such an opinion, he is not to benefit from our indulgence, for he 'cannot be so ignorant' .... The conclusion must be that he is an antisemite. Plain and simple ! Az last, the israeli Foreign Ministry will be directed by a minister who will surely call a cat a cat instead of Peres whose sole official reaction was to shut up.

The world respects those who respect themselves. The israeli representatives must stop apologising to their counterparts for self defensive actions. The world would respect us more if we showed more teeth in our claims and defense.

As a diaspora jew, I appeal to isareli politicians to use tougher language instead of being complexed before their counterparts.

(2)
Taz Wilhite,
November 10, 2002 12:00 AM

The Europeans don't get it

Great letter. Too bad that it won't be given any merit by the person(s) it is addressed to. The European nations just don't get it when it comes to dealing with Israel's right to exist. Hopefully they come to their senses soon.

(1)
C Schwartz,
November 10, 2002 12:00 AM

This article needs to be told world wide

Reguardless of what the Finnish FM says or thinks, or any other any anti-semite for that matter, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is still in control in the affairs of puny men. Besides, they may well need their gas masks themselves when those peace-loving Arabs or palestinians??? come for them.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...